Column Base
Unknown Artist
20th century
Medium
Cement reproduction
Dimensions
Overall: 5 1/8 x 9 7/8 x 9 7/8 in. (13 x 25.1 x 25.1 cm)
Classification
Sculpture-Architectural
Culture
European
Department
The Cloisters
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Cloisters Collection, 1925
Accession Number
25.120.992
Art Historical Context
Nestled in The Cloisters, the Metropolitan Museum of Art medieval treasure trove, this unassuming *Column Base* is a 20th-century reproduction of a European architectural element. Measuring just 5 1/8 x 9 7/8 x 9 7/8 inches, it captures the sturdy foundation that would have supported grand stone columns in historic buildings. Acquired as part of The Cloisters Collection in 5, it reflects early efforts to preserve and study medieval artistry through accessible replicas. Architectural column bases like this one were essential in European cathedrals, cloisters, and castles, often adorned with in...